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Central Govtschemes

Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)

Legal guarantee of 100 days of wage employment per year to every rural household demanding unskilled manual work.

About this scheme

MGNREGA, enacted in 2005, is a demand-driven rights-based programme implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development. Every rural household whose adult members volunteer for unskilled manual work is entitled to at least 100 days of wage employment in a financial year, with an additional 50 days in drought-notified areas. Works focus on water conservation, drought proofing, irrigation, land development, rural connectivity and flood control, building durable rural assets. Wages are paid through the National Electronic Fund Management System into Aadhaar-linked accounts.

Benefits

  • Guaranteed 100 days of wage employment per rural household per financial year
  • Statutory wage rate notified annually for each state
  • Unemployment allowance if work is not provided within 15 days of demand
  • Work provided within 5 km of the village, with extra wage if beyond
  • Worksite facilities including drinking water, shade and creche

Who can apply

  • Any rural household willing to do unskilled manual work
  • Adult members must be 18 years or older and residents of the Gram Panchayat
  • No income, caste or land criteria
  • At least one-third of beneficiaries should be women

Documents required

  • Aadhaar card of all adult members
  • Proof of residence in the Gram Panchayat
  • Passport-size photographs of applicants
  • Bank or post office account details
  • Age proof

How to apply

  • 1Apply for a Job Card at the Gram Panchayat with a household application
  • 2Job Card is issued within 15 days after verification
  • 3Submit a written application for work to the Gram Panchayat or Programme Officer
  • 4Work must be allotted within 15 days of the demand
  • 5Wages are credited to the Aadhaar-linked bank or post office account within 15 days

Important dates

Application window
Open throughout the year; work must be provided within 15 days of demand

Available in: All India

Visit the official portal